Forget Las Vegas, New York, Paris. Can you think of a better place than American Fork in which to spend the end of world? We can’t either. If the Mayan apocalypse comes tonight, A.F. has you covered.

Our top choice: For the last 16 years, the city has been endowed with a beautiful LDS temple. But the temple closes at 8 p.m., which might pose a problem.

So why not go across the street to the American Fork Amphitheater at Quail Cove? Created through the labor of the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s, it is secluded and tucked away with gorgeous stone work and a beautiful view to the sky. Too freezing to be outside? We don’t blame you.

Move into the Alpine Stake Tabernacle. First built in 1914, rededicated in 1962, then again in 1996, it touts an assembly capacity of 2,000. The originally cost barely topped $80,000. This beautiful city landmark is not only perfect for end-of-the-world community gatherings, but also religious ceremonies. Best part: It has been upgraded to be seismically sound. Don’t want to spend your last night sitting on hard, wooden benches, you say?

So why not stretch your legs at the Apollo Dancing Hall, one of American Fork’s oldest buildings? For many years Apollo Hall dances were held on Thursday nights for the “old folks,” with Saturday nights for young people. Music was provided by live dance bands such as Bud Hutchings group, Will Wright and his orchestra, and a local orchestra led by Karl Bennett with Lydia Kirkpatrick, C. A. Grant and vocalist E. Ray Shelley. Paging the American Fork High School Jazz Band…

Floor too bouncy, you say?

Ice skating on Utah Lake has been popular since the early days… skate as you skate into the apocalypse. What we don’t recommend though it may appear tempting: one last skinny dip.

Rather be on more solid grounds? American Fork has you covered there, too. How about a last round of golf? The Tri-City Gold course, a cooperative venture between American Fork, Pleasant Grove and Lehi, dates back to 1970, with extensive work done by the Utah National Guard 1457th Engineer Battalion, using their heavy duty earth moving equipment. The local Guard unit was also active in doing much of the contouring for the 18-hole layout designed by Joe Williams. But start early: his design is not an easy course as he tried to save as many of the trees on the 160 acre plot as possible.

Golf, not your thing? The American Fork Recreation Center closes at 10 p.m. Our advice: Though the annual rate seems like a better deal, go for just a day pass.

What are we saying: money is no longer an issue. Today is the perfect time to take out a loan. Since its modest roots dating back 1913, Bank of American Fork grew slowly and carefully, taking no fewer than six decades to open its second branch. On the eve of its 100-year anniversary, the bank seems as healthy as ever. It opened its 13th branch last month. Last year the 280-employee community bank headquartered on Main Street made a $6.5 million profit. 

As for us, this may be the Citizen’s last edition.

We’ll be spending the Mayan apocalypse hidden in the Timpanogos Cave. Because if the world starts over again, we’ll already be home.

Danny Crivello can be reached at crivello@citizen.af, via text at 801-477-6397 or on Twitter.

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